Cup Holder

[dpreston Virginia]

Purchased my 280SL April 2012 and wanted to add some type of cup holders. I had these type holders in my 280SE and they also fit in the 280SL's wood tray. No modifications needed.
After checking the fit I backed out the screw that holds the tray in place and pushed down on the cup holder so that it left a mark on the bottom.
Used the mark to drill a hole. Removed the screw added the cup holder used the same screw to hold both the cup holder and wood tray in place.
Here is the link to the cup holders.
http://www.ultimatecupholders.com/fischercupholder.html
David

[dpreston Virginia]

Finished pictures

[rb6667]

Very nice install.  Thanks for sharing.

RB6667

[Bonnyboy]

I just ordered one - looking forward to installing it.

Thanks for sharing.

[mdsalemi]

My two arrived--and I look forward to NOT having spilled beverages on my next long trip....

[rmmchl]

I just ordered one also. I wonder if it would be a better install to secure with a small round head screw,  with a nut and washer underneath the wood consol?  That would require to remove the two consol retaining screws, thus removing the wood consol, then installing the new cup holder throught the carpet piece, then re-installing the wood piece back. Feedback would be helpful

[Garry]

I have to admit my two arrived last week as well, now to fit with out putting holes in the wood?

[Jordan]

Can you not use the two existing screw holes?

[rmmchl]

i guess you could use the 2 existing screw holes, but the position of the cup holder would probably be close to the center of the consol, and not at the end, where I would want it. I'll check when the cup holder arrives

[thelews]

Dave, the original poster, used the two existing holes and you can see the location of the holders in his pictures.

[dpreston Virginia]

I just ordered one also. I wonder if it would be a better install to secure with a small round head screw,  with a nut and washer underneath the wood consol?  That would require to remove the two consol retaining screws, thus removing the wood consol, then installing the new cup holder throught the carpet piece, then re-installing the wood piece back. Feedback would be helpful

You don't need to go to all that trouble. Use the existing screws and see what you think.......

[pagoden]

When mounted horizontally and base upward (as in the console location) the original base has become the cover and enlarges the device's footprint by a half inch or so as it's opened for use, so it can't be located flush against the endwall of the console.  [Not sure I've said that the best way; if unclear, test fit it and you'll quickly see.]  Will still work using forward-most existing screw to place cupholder as far forward as possible while allowing room for its 'cover' to move forward (~12-15mm) as it swings up into operating position.  [Rear area of console tray is occupied in my car, so that option not explored.]  Regrettably, it all necessitates removal or puncture of the liner.  
Seems to be good quality, likely effective.  Ingenious to flip and mount it horizontally with base uppermost.  After some pondering it begins to look like additional incentive to install a console structure on top of our trays, where it could be mounted on a vertical surface as originally designed.  I have a very effective gimballed holder mounted that way, am rethinking it; the Fischer is far more compact and presents a better appearance.  

[69280sl]

I went a step further and color co-ordinated my cup holder. It remains to be seen how long the paint lasts without; chipping, flaking or peeling. In the meantime I am happy with the appearance and especially the function.

Gus

[RayG]

I received and installed my new cup holders today. they are great. I used the existing screw holes which are for attaching the wood tray to the transmission hump by first cutting out a 1/4" thick piece of wood the size of the tray. I upholstered it with vinyl that matches my car interior. This added thickness brought the edge of the cup holder slightly above the edge of the existing  wood tray so that you can mount it flush to the front edge of the tray, thus eliminating the aprox 3/4" gap shown on many of the installations in previous posts. Yes it does require changing the screw for a longer one but by raising the holder above the tray edge, it can easily be opened with your fingers and placing it "backwords " like this makes it easier to use. The rear cup holder must be placed forward of the rear edge of the tray to allow it to open, or alternatively, you could mount it to open from the rear and have the edge flush with the rear edge of the tray.

RayG

[mdsalemi]

I received and installed my new cup holders today. they are great...This added thickness brought the edge of the cup holder slightly above the edge of the existing  wood tray so that you can mount it flush to the front edge of the tray, thus eliminating the aprox 3/4" gap shown on many of the installations in previous posts...the rear cup holder must be placed forward of the rear edge of the tray to allow it to open, or alternatively, you could mount it to open from the rear and have the edge flush with the rear edge of the tray.

Ray, nice work.  I'm glad you posted this "something different" installation; now I have a couple of options to choose from.  My tray has a matching carpet piece (with bound edges) in it, so I did not immediately see the height issue; the carpet is about 1/4" thick.  I have not decided if I'll screw through that yet, or seek an alternative once the cup holders are in place.  Great photos, too!

[RayG]

MD, my tray had a bound piece of carpet as well. I decided to keep the carpet unmolested and save it in tact without  screw holes for a future owner or for my showing in a concourse event. the upholstered board installation is easily reversable and I actually like it better than the carpet.
RayG

[thelews]

What's the advantage of the cupholder being flush with the tray lip?

[RayG]

Hi tehlews,there is no advantage for the lip of the cup holder being flush with the top edge of the tray.  That is why I added the 1/4" thick piece if wood to the bottom of the tray and covered it with MB tex to match my interior.By doing so, I was able to mount the cup holder tight to the edge of the  rear window defroster switch(71 sl) which is behind the ashtray and not have a gap between the cup holder and the switch enclosure or the front edge of the tray as others have done. Raising the cup holder up 1/4" provides enough finger space to easily open the cup holder(hinge is to the rear) . My tray originally had a carpet piece which I saved as the switch out is easily done for a car show. see original post for photo.
RayG